Abrar Abdullah Alharbi
Department of Dental Science, University Dental Hospital, KAU, Saudi ArabiaPublications
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Research Article
Herbal alternatives in the management of tooth decay: A comprehensive review of phytotherapeutic agents, mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and potential for integrative dental care
Author(s): Abrar Abdullah Alharbi*, Huda Ali Albishi, Haneen Jafar Hawsawi, Samah Omar Alhousah, Afnan Abdulltif M Abdulltif, Khadijah Abdulqader Saad, Khadejah Yousef Al hosawi and Loolah Mohammed Al Jarshi
Herbal alternatives have garnered significant interest as potential adjuncts or substitutes for conventional treatments of tooth decay, driven by concerns over the side effects of synthetic antimicrobials and fluoride agents. This comprehensive review explores various phytotherapeutic agents including essential oils, polyphenol-rich extracts, and traditional herbal formulations highlighting their mechanisms of antimicrobial action against cariogenic biofilms, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and capacity to support enamel remineralization. The discussion synthesizes findings from in vitro studies demonstrating potent inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and other oral pathogens, in vivo evidence of reduced plaque formation and bacterial counts, and preliminary clinical trials that suggest comparable short-term efficacy of herbal dentifrices.. Read More»
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.200121